Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa has urged members of the public to adhere strictly to guidelines issued by law enforcement agencies ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations slated for tomorrow.
She also appealed to road users and residents to observe movement advisories and follow directives from both police officers and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs).
“These measures are in place to maintain order and protect everyone participating in or attending the celebrations for a secure and well-coordinated celebration,” she said.
In her speech during a media breakfast engagement in Homa Bay, Mworoa emphasised the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the celebrations proceed smoothly and safely.
She said that they have unveiled an elaborate multi-agency operation to ensure safety and smooth logistics ahead of the upcoming national celebrations.
The RC noted that all units have been mobilised with comprehensive plans for crowd control, traffic management, emergency preparedness, and designated parking to facilitate mobility before, during, and after the celebrations.
“We have mapped out alternative routes for motorists not attending the event to minimise congestion,” Mworoa stated.
“Vehicles from Kisumu and Kendu Bay heading towards Mbita, Oyugis, Rongo, Kisii, and Migori should divert at Olare to Imbo-Rodi. Conversely, motorists from Kisii, Migori, and Oyugis travelling to Kisumu should branch off at Rodi to Imbo and rejoin the highway at Olare.”
Additionally, vehicles travelling from Rodi to Homa Bay but not attending the event will be redirected at the Kodoyo/Mbita junction to the main matatu stage, while Kisumu-bound vehicles will be diverted at the matatu stage towards the Kodoyo/Mbita junction.
For attendees, specific drop-off and parking arrangements have been made.
“Celebrants arriving from Kisumu will be diverted at Makongeni, drop off passengers at the stadium, and proceed to park at designated locations including Asego Comprehensive School, KMTC, Tourist Hotel, Got Rabuor Primary and Secondary Schools, and the SDA Central Church. Buses will be accommodated at Homa Bay Primary School,” Mworoa said.
Vehicles from Rodi will follow the same drop-off and parking procedure. Roads surrounding the stadium, the State Lodge, and the County Commissioner’s office will be restricted to general traffic and reserved for dignitaries.
VVIP and VIP vehicles attending the Garden Party will drop passengers at the State Lodge gate before proceeding to park at La’Salle and Lake Primary School.
The RC added, “Government of Kenya (GOK) vehicles will be parked at the Homa Bay Police Station and the County Commissioner’s compound. All matatus, buses, and boda bodas are advised to use the main matatu stage for parking.”
In line with the national celebrations that will take place at the Raila Odinga Stadium, rehearsals are ongoing as the participants ready themselves for the big day.
This celebration, which will be the 62nd, which marks Kenya’s attainment of self-rule in 1963, is a national holiday observed with official events and public gatherings throughout the country.
The RC said, “Madaraka Day is more than a commemoration of our history but a reflection of our national journey, one defined by freedom, resilience, and continuous transformation.”
Mworoa further appreciated the improved political cooperation between the Kenya Kwanza Administration and the Orange Democratic Movement, citing that security remains a key pillar of development.
“The region is calm, thanks to the improved political cooperation between political parties, enhanced regional partnerships with Uganda and Tanzania, and effective multi-agency coordination,” she said.
By Sitna Omar
